Monday, October 31, 2011

2011 Alternative Fuel Awareness Month in Utah

November 2011 is the 3rd Annual Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Awareness Month. This campaign started in 2009 with a declaration from Governor Herbert supported by Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Provo City, and Ogden City Mayors. The goal was to encourage Utah residents to learn more about alternative energy sources available here in Utah.

Support for AFV Awareness Month grew in 2010 with eight mayors signing on to the Governor's Declaration. This year 47 Mayors from across the state of Utah are joining Governor Herbert and Utah Clean Cities to promoting AFV Awareness Month. Finding cleaner burning, cheaper, domestic fuels is a clear priority for Utahns.

Alternative energy infrastructure has been expanding, allowing fleets and citizens to make the switch to AFV's. Across the state of Utah, cities and towns are using fleets, garbage trucks, police vehicles, and buses that are fueled by cleaner energies. Jordan, Sevier, and Alpine County school districts have CNG buses, which have lower fuel and maintenance costs with the added benefit of quieter, cleaner transportation. Hybrid electric and natural gas powered engines are also gaining traction as governments and citizens look for sustainable energies that cut costs and preserve air quality.

Natural gas is available in Uintah Basin, located in Eastern Utah, providing a local source for the fuel. Local availability allows Utah to expand CNG and LNG infrastructure throughout the state, creating Clean Energy Corridors that are being utilized by trucking and delivery companies as well as the public.

This year Utah Clean Cities will be showcasing leaders of Utah's AFV infrastructure with a month long "AFV Tour." Throughout the month different businesses will have their doors open to the public for fueling questions and general information. See tour location below. Unless otherwise indicated, business representative will be available during normal hours of operation. With 123 different fueling stations in the state of Utah, this is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about Alternative Fuel options and their benefits.

If you have any questions, contact Irene Rizza (801-535-7736) or Robin Erickson (435-652-4721 x138).

Tour Locations:
WEEK 1: November 1st – 4th

University of Utah Fleet and CNG Station
425 S 1778 E
SLC, UT 84102
Chad Larsen - 801-581-4189
CNG Station & Fleet
Hours: Thursday & Friday 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Smith's Electric Charging Station
870 E 800 S
Salt Lake City UT 84102
Marsha - 801-355-2801
Electric Charging Station

Salt Lake City’s Electric Charging Stations
Locations
Dan Bergenthal - 801-535-7106
Electric Charging Station
Call for information

Salt Lake City Fleet
1990 W 500 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Art Valente – 801-535-6952
Fleet
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 3:00-4:00pm

Ken Garff Honda
900 S State St.
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Wayne Peterson, General Manger
Certified Honda Civic GX Dealer
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

State of Utah Fleet and Stations
4600 South Redwood Road - NW side of Campus
Salt Lake City, UT 84123
Sam Lee & Ed Benson- 801-538-3014/801-706-4304

CNG Station & Fleet
Hours: Thursday & Friday 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Kennecott Copper
Rio Tinto 4700 Daybreak Parkway
South Jordan, UT 84095
Kyle Bennett - 801-204-2000
Fleet & Station
Hours: TBA

Semi-Service
4285 W 1385 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Hettie Fitzgerald ,Office Manager – 801-521-0360
CNG Station & Conversions
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 1pm -4pm

Ares Technology
2020 Industrial Circle
Salt Lake City, UT 84104
Alden Rix - 801-828-3469
CNG and Propane Conversions
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

AVS - Lancer Automotive
3687 S 300 W
Salt Lake City UT 84115
Scott Brandeberry - 801-268-8863
CNG Conversion
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

SLC Community College
4600 South Redwood Road
Salt Lake City, UT 84123
Judy Fisher – 801-957-5252
CNG Conversion Training

Murray CNG station (Questar Gas - City of Murray)
4646 S 500 W
Murray UT 84123
Gordon Larsen 801-556-2905
CNG Public Fueling Station

Jordan School District
8370 S 4300 W
West Jordan, UT 84088
Herb Jensen & Marty Latimer - 801-567-8100
CNG Bus Fleet & Public Fueling Station
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Tim Dahle Nissan
4528 S State Street
Murray, UT 84107
Time Dahle
Nissan Dealership - Nissan Leaf

Riverton Chevy
10770 South Automall Drive
Sandy UT, 84070
Kevin Campbell
Chevrolet Volt Dealership

Bear Creek SUV
450 W 910 S - Suite 300
Heber City, UT 84032
Bill Saks – 435-654-9447
Natural Gas Conversions
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 9:00-6:00
Public should call in advance

Top Stop
2010 N Park Ave
Park City UT 84060
Joe - 435-649-3689
CNG Public Fueling Station
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Williams Northwest Pipeline
599 S 500 E
Vernal, UT 84078-4442
John Davis, Manager – 801-584-06852
Natural Gas Pipeline & Fleet

Sinclair
850 S Carbon Ave
Price UT 84501
Leigh Mecham- 435-637-4002
CNG Public Fueling Station

WEEK 2: November 14th – 18th

Utah State University
1400 E 900 N
Logan, UT 84321
Alden Erickson - 801-538-3440 (alden.erickson@usu.edu)
CNG Shuttle, Fueling Station & Research for Algae for biodiesel
Hours: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

LW's Conoco
1050 W 200 N
Logan, UT 84321
Larry Miller -435-753-7461
CNG Public Fueling Station

LW's Travel Plaza
1674 W 1100 S
Brigham City, UT
Larry Miller - 435-723-9999
CNG Public Fueling Station

Flying J Travel Plaza
1172 W 2100 S,
Ogden, UT 84401
Rocky, General Manager - 801-399-5577
CNG Public Fueling Station

AutoGasAmerica
1596 W 2650 S STE 103
Ogden, UT 84401
Bryan Wilcox - 1-866-931-8940
CNG Conversions

Chevron - JP's American Car Care
1350 E 700 S
Clearfield, UT 84015
Kim Hugie - 801-773-7222
Ethanol (E85) Public Fueling Station

CNG America Auto Sales
Call - Kim Hugie: 801-389-6233
CNG Conversions

Go Natural CNG
2023 S 625 W
Woods Cross, UT 84087
Rick Oliver or Jack Falkenrath – 801-677-1176
CNG Conversions & Manufacturing Kits
Hours: 9:00 am- 5:00pm

Washaki Renewable
2400 N 7950 W
Plymouth, UT 84330
Sam Powell - 435-866-2292/801-995-8045 (samp@wrebiofuels.com)
Biodiesel Producer
Hours: TBA

Associated Foods LNG Trucks
1825 W 2550 N
Ogden, UT 84401
Kris Romeril – 801-978-8450 (KCRomeril@afstores.com)
Glen Keysaw - 801-786-8840
LNG Trucks

WEEK 3: November 28th – December 1st

Sevier School District
180 E 600 N
Richfield, UT 84701
Deloss Christensen - 435-896-8214
CNG Bus Fleet

Zion National Park
Zion Park Blvd
Springdale UT 84767
Jack Burns, Chief, Concessions Management - 435-772-0145
Propane Shuttle Fleet

Chevron Coral Canyon Market
41 N 6300 W
Hurricane, UT 84737
O.C. Levitt - 435-628-4858
CNG Public Fueling Station

Washington City Fleet Facility
1302 Washington Dam Rd
Washington City, UT 84780
Tracy Comas - 435-656-6333
CNG Public Fueling Station

St. George Shell
915 E Saint George Blvd
Saint George UT 84770
Ron - 435-656-1350
CNG Public Fueling Station

Guy's Automaster
583 N 3050 E
St. George, UT 84790
Guy S. Simkins - 435-627-9212
CNG Conversions
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm

St. George Express
PO box 2499
Saint George, UT 84771
Jan Miller – 435-652-1100 (info@stgeorgeexpress.com)
Shuttle Service & Natural Gas Fleet

Cedar Service Center
260 E 2015 N
Cedar City, UT 84720
Questar Gas - 801-324-3900
CNG Private Station

KB Express
734 S Main St
Cedar City, UT 84720
Mike Whitney - 435-586-1344
CNG Public Fueling Station
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 am-3:00 pm

St. George Shuttle
790 South Bluff Street
St. George, UT 84770
Janet - 435-628-8320
Shuttle Service & Natural Gas Fleet

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Idle Free Salt Lake!

On October 25th, the Salt Lake City's Council unanimously approved Mayor Becker's Idling Ordinance. Salt Lake City is not alone in its fight against air pollution. Other municipalities across the nation have successfully instated similar ordinances - including Park City right here in Utah. However, like all new things, there will be questions and it will take time to adjust to this new legislation. The best way for residents and visitors to become accustomed to the new law so is to get the facts. So, courtesy of the Salt Lake City Mayor's Office, here are some helpful facts that can help you better understand the new legislation.

Idling exemptions:
· Idling while in traffic, at control signal or at the direction of a police officer
· Idling as needed to operate heaters or air conditioners where temp is below 32 or above 90, for health or safety or passengers and service animals.
· Idling to operate defrosters.· Idling for emergency vehicles (fire apparatus, ambulance, etc).
· Idling for ensure safe operation of a vehicle
· Idling for testing, service, repair, installation, maintenance or diagnostic purposes.
· Idling to warm up or cool down turbo charged vehicle.
· Idling to operate auxiliary equipment for which the vehicle was designed – such as a lift, crane, hoist, cement mixer or utility vehicle.
· Idling as needed to ensure safe loading and unloading of goods or people.
· Idling to recharge battery or energy unit of a hybrid vehicle.
· Idling as needed for vehicles that house K-9 service animals.
· Idling by on duty policy offers to perform duties.
· Idling in drive throughs if the drive through business has adequate idle-free signage. (This was a new addition presented by the Mayor and made by the council before the ordinance passed on October 25th.)

Other Helpful Facts:
· There is a six month grace period before ordinance will be enforced (Enforcement begins April 25th). During this six month period they city will engage in an extensive public education campaign.
· First citation of this ordinance is a warning.
· Second citation, if paid within ten days is $50.
· SLC is now one of MANY jurisdictions in the country that has an idling law. New York City, Denver, Minneapolis, Austin, Washington, DC, Connecticut, Delaware all have idling limits.
http://www.atri-online.org/research/results/idling_chart.pdf
· The City Council has asked the administration to return one year’s time to evaluate the success of the ordinance. If things need fine tuning, they will be address it at that time.
· The Mayor’s Office (and the Council) see this ordinance as one tool in the toolbox for addressing air quality. They have committed themselves to find ways to improve traffic light synchronization, to encourage mass transit, to create walkable neighborhoods and to pursue an array of air quality improving options.

SLC Ordinance Homepage: http://www.slcgov.com/idlefree/default.htm
Final ordinance transmitted to the City Council: https://dotnet.slcgov.com/Mayor/MayorCouncilTransmittals/Documents/p601_.PDF
Public comment report: http://www.slcgov.com/idlefree/comments.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.slcgov.com/idlefree/faq.pdf
To learn more about idling: http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/myths/idling.html

Monday, October 24, 2011

SmartDrive Study Finds Eco-Driving Improves Fuel Economy 22% in Commercial Transportation Fleets



Study Identified Fuel-Wasting Maneuvers and How to Change Them

SAN DIEGO, Oct 17, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- SmartDrive Systems, a leader in fleet safety and operational efficiency, today announced the results of its Commercial Transportation Fuel Efficiency Study at the American Trucking Association's Management Conference and Exhibition in Grapevine, TX. The findings reveal that commercial fleets can reduce fuel consumption on average as much as 22%, saving more than $12,500 per vehicle annually, by engaging in fuel-efficient, eco-driving best practices.

"With the volatility of fuel prices, reducing fuel consumption is increasingly important in controlling operating expenses for commercial transportation fleets," noted SmartDrive President Jason Palmer. "Our study documented a significant opportunity to increase fuel efficiency by addressing the 80% of fuel waste that can be improved through softer driving. The study also shows that training and real-time in-cab feedback combine to dramatically lower the incidence of wasteful maneuvers."

The study evaluated 695 tractor-trailers, heavy-duty trucks and drivers in multiple U.S. locations to assess the effect of driving performance on fuel consumption and the impact of training and in-vehicle instant feedback on improving fuel economy. Study data was compiled by SmartDrive sensors and recorders, then analyzed and training recommendations provided. Real-time in-vehicle feedback on driving maneuvers and idling gave drivers the ability to adjust driving performance as it happened. Post-training performance was measured showing substantial reductions in the number and severity of hard accelerations, hard decelerations and hard turns.

"Within two months, the top 25% of drivers improved their fuel economy from 5.92MPG to 7.98MPG, or 22%. That's a real savings that any commercial fleet operator would appreciate," Palmer added.

For a copy of the SmartDrive Commercial Transportation Fuel Efficiency Study, please visit booth 340 at the ATA Conference, or download it at www.smartdrive.net .

About SmartDrive Systems

SmartDrive delivers innovative solutions that make it easy to improve driver safety and reduce operating cost. SmartDrive records comprehensive video-based data from the road, then thoroughly reviews and scores critical events and recommends action for fleet managers to quickly respond and deliver sustainable savings - all through an easy-to-use managed service. Commercial transportation fleets using SmartDrive solutions include Buzzuto's, Linfox, Roadstar, Verst, Lynch, Angelica, Reyes Holdings. The company has compiled the world's largest storehouse - more than 34 million events - of real-time, risky-driving incidents. SmartDrive Systems is based in San Diego, CA, and employs over 375 people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.smartdrive.net .

SOURCE: SmartDrive Systems

SmartDrive Media Relations
Jim White, 619-955-6430
jim.white@smartdrive.net





Copyright Business Wire 2011

Thursday, October 20, 2011

New Go Natural CNG facility in Tulsa



For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Jack Falkenrath, 801-281-4766, jfalkenrath@gonaturalcng.com



Go Natural CNG announces Grand Opening of additional facility in Tulsa

Woods Cross, UT - Go Natural CNG announced today that they are opening an additional sales and installation facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma. To celebrate the addition of the new 7,000 square foot location, a Grand Opening is being held on Tuesday October 25th at 10:30 AM. The address is 4116 South 88th East Avenue - Tulsa, Oklahoma and the public is invited. Food will be served and several local dignitaries are expected to be in attendance, including Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett.
Lucas Kjar, CEO of Go Natural CNG stated that he is excited to be opening the new facility in Tulsa. He said “Our research revealed that Oklahoma is the ideal place to expand our CNG vehicle conversion business. Local government officials have been very supportive and enthusiastic. Plus, the state incentives for CNG are among the highest in the nation and at just 78 cents per GGE, the price of CNG fuel in Oklahoma is extremely affordable.” Mr. Kjar went on to say that Go Natural CNG has already signed a contract with the city of Owasso to convert over forty vehicles and that work on these conversions will begin immediately following the Grand Opening celebration.
Go Natural’s partner, AutoSource Motors, will be sharing the new Oklahoma facility. While Go Natural CNG focuses on turn-key solutions for fleets, the goal of AutoSource Motors will be to create the area’s largest offering of publicly available ready-to-go natural gas powered cars, trucks and vans.
About: Founded in 2008, Go Natural CNG manufactures Fuel Interface Modules, EPA certified vehicle conversion kits, CSA certified CNG hoses and hydraulic natural gas compression units. Many of Go Natural CNG’s key employees have over twenty years of experience in the natural gas vehicle conversion business. Go Natural CNG’s company headquarters are located in Woods Cross, Utah. The facility is 35,000 square feet on 4 acres and includes 19 bays for small to mid-size vehicles and 10 bays that are large enough to accommodate buses and long haul trucks. For more information call 801-281-4766 or visit www.gonaturalcng.com.



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Grants & Loans Now Available for Clean Fuels in Utah

NEWS RELEASE
October 12, 2011

Contact:
Lisa Burr, (801) 536-4019
Division of Air Quality





Salt Lake City, Utah – The Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ) announced today it will award a total of $250,000 in grants and another $250,000 in loans from the Clean Fuels Grant and Loan Program to help businesses and government entities purchase clean fuel technologies.

“The collaboration between state, local governments and the business community to make these projects successful is a demonstration of the commitment being made to help alleviate the unique air quality challenges we face in Utah and encourage clean transportation options that support the State’s 10-year energy plan and economic development for businesses,” said Amanda Smith, executive director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Since 2009, DAQ has awarded a total $743,818 in grants and $790,047 in loans. Projects have included the conversion of cars, trucks, and shuttle buses to natural gas as well as the purchase of natural gas refuse trucks, freight trucks, transit buses, and refueling stations.

Proposals must be submitted to DAQ by 5:00 p.m. on December 15, 2011. The awards will be announced in March.

For more information, visit: www.cleanfuels.utah.gov.

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation 2011 Air Quality Gala

We would like to invite you to join us in supporting clean air in Washington County!

The Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation is holding its First Annual Gala Fund-raising Dinner on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Courtyard Marriott at 6 p.m. Sterling Poulson, Senior Meteorologist at KUTV 2News, will be the featured speaker.
The net proceeds will benefit the Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation, allowing them to purchase air quality monitors for use in their local district.

The Gala will also feature a silent auction and live music.

Tickets to the Gala are $40 each, $75 for a couple, or $300 for a table of 6. They can be purchased by calling 986-2585 or by visiting the Southwest Utah Public Health Department at 620 South 400 East, Suite 400